The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Assertion of patent infringement" means:
- (a) Sending or delivering a demand to a target;
- (b) Threatening a target with litigation asserting, alleging, or claiming that the target has engaged in patent infringement;
- (c) Sending or delivering a demand to the customers of a target; or
- (d) Otherwise making claims or allegations, other than those made in litigation against a target, that a target has engaged in patent infringement or that a target should obtain a license to a patent in order to avoid litigation.
- (2) "Claim" means the scope of the patent owner's exclusive rights to the use and control of the patent owner's invention.
- (3) "Demand" means a letter, an email, or any other communication asserting that a person has engaged in patent infringement.
- (4) "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, government, governmental subdivision, institution of higher education, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(5) "Target" means a person:
- (a) Who has received a demand or against whom an assertion of patent infringement has been made;
- (b) Who has been threatened with litigation or against whom a lawsuit has been filed alleging patent infringement; or
- (c) Who has at least one customer who has received a demand letter asserting that the person's product, service, or technology has infringed a patent.
[ 2015 c 108 s 2.]